Vince Cable to speak at BMF Members Day

Published: 18 January, 2018

Sir Vince Cable, the leader of the Liberal Democrats and MP for Twickenham, is the first headline speaker to be confirmed for BMF Members’ Day in September, which takes the theme “The Future Belongs to the Bold”.

A former Chief Economist at Shell, Vince Cable was the first UK politician to warn of the impending financial crisis of 2008. He now believes that a hard Brexit could create serious and prolonged economic difficulties ahead.

As leader of the Liberal Democrats, his top priorities are fighting to make sure the UK remains at the heart of the EU, building an economy that works for everyone, investing in high-quality public services and a decent welfare system and building a mass movement that can win elections and make our country more liberal and more democratic.

Between 2010 and 2015, as the Coalition Government’s Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable created a distinctive Liberal Democrat vision for the economy. A long-term industrial strategy, promotion of science and innovation, banking reform, the creation of the world’s first-ever Green Investment Bank, support for young people through apprenticeships and the promotion of socially responsible capitalism.

John Newcomb, BMF Chief Executive Officer said: “We are delighted that Sir Vince Cable will address BMF Members’ Day this year. He is not only one of the country’s senior politicians but also a highly regarded economist who is not afraid to express bold, and sometimes contrarian, views. This sits well with our Members’ Day theme, and I know that everyone will be keen to hear from him.

“Having a leading political speaker has long been a tradition at our bi-annual All Industry Conference. Last year, we reintroduced this element to Members’ Day with a well-received presentation from the Housing Minister at the time, Alok Sharma. With Vince Cable on this year’s stage, we are building on that success and taking it to the next level.”

BMF Members’ Day 2018 will be held for the first time at St George’s Park, Burton on Trent – the home of England’s 28 national football teams. The Business Conference and the BMF’s black-tie Awards Dinner, which celebrates the achievements of young people working in the industry, both take place on 27 September. The BMF’s annual Golf Tournament and other social activities will be held on the previous day, 26 September.

In the wake of one of the most unpredictable election results in recent years, the Builders Merchants Federation wants to see the new government focus on two major issues: building more homes and developing proper industrial policy. This will be a way promote economic growth across the UK.